NHS patients will have the legal right to demand drugs or treatments that are available elsewhere in the country under plans for a new NHS "bill of rights" announced in the Queen's speech.

The NHS Constitution is expected to enshrine the universal right to approved treatments if they are deemed "clinically appropriate".

It is hoped it will end the so-called postcode lottery in health care.

The measures form the centrepiece of a new Health Bill unveiled in the Queen's Speech. MPs will debate and vote on the measures next year.

Patients will also be given more opportunity to choose where and when to receive NHS services. Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, plans to allow the further development of ``personalised'' health services and direct payments for healthcare.

Measures to protect children and young people from the harm caused by smoking will also be included in the Health Bill, although the exact details have yet to be announced.

However, the Department of Health has insisted that the removal of tobacco displays in shops was still under consideration - despite reports that the proposal had been abandoned. All cigarette branding may also still be outlawed.

The new NHS Constitution was first unveiled in draft form in the summer following a year-long review of the health service conducted by Lord Darzi, a surgeon and junior health minister.

Hospitals will also have to publish "quality accounts" of the care they provide in the same way the publish financial accounts. Poorly-performing hospitals, as judged by their patients, will receive less funding.